DefinePK

Abstract

Current psychiatry research is focused on various aspects of Quality Of Life QOL in different disorders especially bipolar disorder. Frequent depressive episodes, coupled with being a chronic disease causes less satisfaction with quality of life among bipolar patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the QOL and general functioning among chronic type I bipolar disorder patients. One hundred patients who had bipolar-I disorder according to the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR for 10 years, were selected. Besides demographic characteristics, number of manic-depressive episodes, drug consumption and substance dependency, quality of life questionnaire Short Form Health Survey SF-36 including bodily pain, physical function, role limitation-physical, general health, vitality, social function, role limitation-emotional and mental health, were completed and global functioning of the patients were evaluated by Global Assessment Functioning GAF scales. Of 100 patients, 50 were women. Family history of bipolar disorder was positive in 35 of studied patients. Cigarette smoking was seen in 26 patients, while 73 of the patients reported use of drugs regularly. The patients had significantly lower scores than the general population on all scales except role limitation-physical and role limitation-emotional that was significant statistically p0.05. In patients with substance abuse, the mean of general functioning level, social function and role limitation-physical was better than non-drug user patients p0.001. Bipolar disorder is a chronic psychological disease influenced all aspects of QOL. Social, occupational and financial support of the patients and their family are necessary.